Apple glitches help Waze Inc.

CUPERTINO, Calif., Sept. 29 (UPI) -- A competitor of Apple Computer's maps application said the U.S. technology giant has given his firm a boost with its apology for its problematic map program.

"Launching a maps app in a half-baked way, that was a questionable decision, but making up for that so fast and making a category, it's great," said Noam Bardin, the head of Waze Inc., which has its own maps applications and could be considered a rival with Apple in the segment.

Apple's maps application was sold with the iPhone 5, which sold 5 million units in its first three days.

Upgrades in the phone included Apple's latest iOS 6 operating system.

Along with his apology, Cook said, "The more our customers use our Maps the better it will get."

Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt took a jab at Apple for its maps program, which is considered an invaluable tool for companies, like Google or Apple, that are trying to sell advertisers on the idea that it can match local customers with locations to relevant advertising.

"In my opinion, it would have been better to retain our maps," said Schmidt.

Apple's phones in the past came with Google Maps installed. But the new Apple program, mistakes and all, has given Apple an excuse to diminish the availability of Google's system, the Journal said.

United Press International is a leading provider of news, photos and information to millions of readers around the globe via UPI.com and its licensing services.

With a history of reliable reporting dating back to 1907, today’s UPI is a credible source for the most important stories of the day, continually updated - a one-stop site for U.S. and world news, as well as entertainment, trends, science, health and stunning photography. UPI also provides insightful reports on key topics of geopolitical importance, including energy and security.

A Spanish version of the site reaches millions of readers in Latin America and beyond.

UPI was founded in 1907 by E.W. Scripps as the United Press (UP). It became known as UPI when after a merger with the International News Service in 1958, which was founded in 1909 by William Randolph Hearst. Today, UPI is owned by News World Communications.